Verdict

Vicenzo Mio was backed as though defeat was out of the question having left the form of his British debut behind with a bloodless success in a Kempton maiden under a change of tactics. He was given a positive ride once again but appeared to be found out in this stronger contest as LE ROCHER confirmed the impression that he had made when winning the Grade One Finale Hurdle at Chepstow. Although the favourite obviously hasn't lived up to expectations thus far, he clearly shows up well at home and, perhaps, it's no coincidence that his two below expectations runs have come at this venue. Le Rocher should also continue to progress and rates a smart prospect although it remains to be seen whether he can prove as effective under faster conditions in the spring. His hurdling still leaves something to be desired but there's no doubting his ability and he powered clear of some useful yardsticks to mark himself down as one of the leading juveniles in the country. Connections are more than happy to head to hunting grounds other than Cheltenham in March and that is no doubt factored into his price for the Triumph Hurdle along with the concerns regarding the ground. Kentucky Hyden was just over two lengths behind him in Wales and appears to have run to form which is a measure of the improvement that Le Rocher has made; the Fred Winter would appear the obvious race for the runner-up although others may well be better handicapped. He had finished behind Ballyglasheen here in December but the latter never looked like confirming the form and didn't look happy from an early stage; he may well have found the ground too testing. That may also have been the case for Goodwood Mirage who compromised his chance by refusing to settle on this step up in class; he can be given another chance to confirm the impression of his debut win. Ronaldinho was not disgraced in the face of a stiff task and should be capable of winning at a more modest level.